Christmas in July, part Deux

 

There is a road leading up to Neuschwanstien, winding it's way up the side of the hill from the village. Some people walk, some people carry their kids on sleds (for a quick trip back down), and others take horse drawn sleighs to the top. No matter what you decide, be prepared for a stroll through a Currier and Ives painting.

Ludwig, also know as the Fairy Tale king,  built this castle from his own fortune, just because he wanted to. Instead of starting with an architect and drawing up blue prints, he had an artist paint a picture of the castle he desired and then said- build it. (As only kings can.) There were a lot of problems that arose because of this methodology and the castle has actually never been completed. The family, after his mysterious death, ended construction and opened it to tours.

We weren't allowed to take pictures of the interior but if you would like to see some, here is a link to their website. It's really a great site that tells much of the history, the problems with the way it was built, and shows the jaw-dropping interior. For example, his master suit had four carpenters working for 8 years, full time, just to complete the Tristan and Isolde woodworking on the walls and bed.

Next up- Switzerland! 

Christmas in July

Joyeux Noel!

I just realized that I didn't really blog our last Europe trip... which was Christmas. Sometimes, photo editing becomes such a task that by the end of it all I am so tired of looking at them that I just quit. Not a good excuse, but it happens. So, here I am in PA with some of the craziest humidity I have ever experienced, and I am going to talk about snow. YEH! 

This is where the trip started. We stayed in the little town of Ruette, about 15 minutes from the German border. It is the most beautiful Christmas that I have ever had. A tiny town, blanketed in snow; perfectly picturesque. 

Our hotel, the Hotel Goldener Hierch, is still family own and operated after 500 years. Amazing. The walls are covered in their family pictures and the family tree. And, we met the owner. Gruff old guy who always has a pipe or cigar in his mouth. Every dinner was spent in the restaurant, complete with homemade noodles. Wish I was munching on some of those right now! We loved it every minute we spent there.

 

The first real day of this trip was spent in Germany at the castles of King Ludwig the 2nd of Bavaria. There are a lot of mysteries surrounding him and his death but the real reason we wanted to visit is this: Walt Disney based Cinderella castle on Neuschwanstien. 

 That's right. I've seen the REAL Cinderella castle. 

Anyways, the area also has the castle where King Ludwig grew up. It is much less impressive than Neuschwanstien, but it's always good to start at the beginning. (And, how can you really complain about a castle?) Our day began at Hohenschwangau. 

 Taken on our way up the hill. 

Can you imagine this being the view from your house? Amazing. Just almost more than I can stand. All those snow covered trees, fields, and houses. 

Look like anything you know? More on that tomorrow!